Reverned Dr. and Mrs. Frederick Jones (left) join president of the General Baptist State Convention of Wisconsin, Reverend Dr. and Mrs. Garry Levy, for the screening of MILWAUKEE 53206: A COMMUNITY SERVES TIME at Cannon Baptist Church.

The gym at Cannon Baptist Church on Milwaukee’s northside was packed recently with community advocates, and citizens from zip codes throughout Milwaukee County and neighboring suburbs who came to watch the soul-searching documentary Milwaukee 53206. The zip code 53206 is bordered by I-43 on the east, 27th street on the west, North Avenue south, and north to Capitol Drive.

Research for the documentary found that 62% of adult men living in this mostly African-American zip code have spent time in prison — making it the most incarcerated zip code in America. This documentary explores, through three different stories, how individuals, generations of family members, and the overall community suffer as a result of these phenomena. (The United States is only 5% of the world’s population but incarcerates 25% of the world’s prison population. Wisconsin has the highest incarceration of Black men in the country.)​“We’re scared and trying to find a way out,” explained Rev. Garry Levy. "It’s important that everyone see this documentary to fully appreciate the devastating effect of mass incarceration of Black men. We are also concerned about young men and women at-risk of getting caught up in the system and looking for ways to change this tide of erosion to our community. We are also trying to organize a men’s ministry to intervene and offer help to young people.

Advocating for social justice is one of our goals. In January 2018, we will host our first Martin Luther King Breakfast. We want to create partnerships to help address social issues. Some things will not change until we can change the laws. Everyone who has a heart should be concerned. "

Religious leaders — are part of the coalition of faith-based groups committed to changing laws and social norms that will bring an end to mass incarceration —were present for the screening and discussion that followed.